“There is the greatest practical benefit in making a few failures early in life.” Thomas Huxley

I came to the Saco and Biddeford area in 1949 as a young bride. I will never forget my first Friday night shopping in Biddeford! People everywhere. You could barely walk on the street.

There must be folks out there who remember the good old bustling days. You could barely get into any of the stores. Downtown was just loaded with wonderful businesses. What fun to go to Butlers, Polakwich, Pennys, Nichols and many more. The Woolworth store carried everything even 5-cent candy. All the businesses were stocked and thriving. You could buy quality clothes and products for your home and family.

With their special strengths and unique features the many hard working organizations are taking course of action for future growth. Our communities have a great deal to be thankful for.

I attended the “Business after Hours” on Thursday which was hosted by the Biddeford & Saco Chamber of Commerce & Industry at the Saco & Biddeford Saving Institution. It is a time for mingling and networking.

For 90 years the chamber has served as an integral part of what makes our community a great place to live and work. The Biddeford & Saco Chamber of Commerce & Industry was incorporated in 1927 as a nonprofit 501c.6 trade association organized to advance and promote commercial and industrial property as well as civic, cultural and educational interests of the communities it serves.

We connect with each other through our social networking sights. This is a good opportunity to welcome the new Executive Director Jim LaBelle to our community. Jim, we send good wishes for success happiness and special blessings.

The After Hours event gets a grip upon our imagination and spirit. It is a time to laugh, play and create. All things seem to be stirring. Energy is engaging our senses.

In the upcoming months, our communities will be flooded with events, and there will be interesting activities for everyone. Each achievement requires a great deal of planning, time, energy, knowledge and personal involvement.

Now, no event would be complete without food-refreshments. Ned’s Bake and BBQ, a professional catering company in Kennebunk, catered the event.

Originally named the Old-Fashioned Lobster bake, they have been in business since 2002 and have more than 60 years of combined experience. I found the mobile kitchen and cook’s trailer very interesting.

The equipment was shiny, sufficient and the serving style was appropriate for the occasion and location. The food was delicious and excellent for a summer’ evening. The deserts were original and temping. Tasted good too.

Another great summer treat are the Farmer’s markets. Local growers will sell their crops and produce. Craftspeople will also have booths. They will be offering a bazaar of flowers, foods and curiosities.

The bustle of the farmer’s market is a delight and their produce a special treat. Folks having booths and articles to sell are creative and hard working.